I just wanted to clarify my last comments. The loss was from another unit. I wanted to convey that all the units here are close due to our continued work together. She was a fellow Platoon Leader though.

These past few photos are overdue from past experiences. I am still restricted to base, knee deep in paper work, staying busy. We went to this neighborhood just to talk to the people. We were well received. The kids are natural entreprenuers. They would sell my rifle to me if they had a chance. We lost another soldier a few days ago. After a while, the units out of the wire become close. You memorize the call signs from the radio and know exactly who it is. You remember the face, you remember the person. The most difficult task is staying on base, listening to the events unfold on the radio. Again, we must drive on and continue what we set out to do here.

Me chillin with my comrades. I've been through some rough times with these guys, especially with the guy on the left of me. They impress me on a daily basis and their bravery puts me to shame. These are Iraqi Army officers that I work with every day

Me sitting with my new Platoon Sergeant somewhere in Mosul